SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY (PG) presented in 35mm

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty at The Revival House Perth

Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) is a negative assets manager at Life magazine who spends his days developing photos for publication while escaping his mundane existence through elaborate daydreams where he's a heroic adventurer. His quiet routine is shattered when Life's new corporate owners announce the magazine's final print edition and begin mass layoffs. The cover photo is meant to be the quintessence of Life magazine, shot by legendary photojournalist Sean O'Connell (Sean Penn)—but negative 25 is missing from the roll Sean sent. Faced with losing his job and impressing his crush Cheryl (Kristen Wiig), Walter embarks on a real-life adventure to track down Sean and find the missing negative. His search takes him from Greenland's icy waters to the volcanic mountains of Iceland to the Himalayas, transforming Walter from a man who dreams of living into someone actually experiencing life's extraordinary moments.

Director and star Ben Stiller transforms James Thurber's 1939 short story into a visually stunning celebration of adventure, imagination, and seizing life. The 2013 film seamlessly blends Walter's fantasies with reality, using spectacular cinematography by Stuart Dryburgh that captures Iceland's otherworldly landscapes and the Himalayas' majesty. The fantasy sequences are deliberately over-the-top—Walter fighting a shark, leaping into helicopters—while the real adventures carry genuine wonder and discovery. Stiller gives a restrained, heartfelt performance as Walter discovers courage he never knew he had. The soundtrack, featuring José González's "Step Out" and Arcade Fire, perfectly captures the film's themes of breaking free from routine. Kristen Wiig provides warm support, while Sean Penn's brief appearance as the zen photographer adds philosophical weight. It's a sincere, optimistic film about finding yourself through experience rather than fantasy.

Original format and audio experience of this film faithfully reproduced by The Revival House. Presented in 35mm film unless noted otherwise.

When: Sunday, May 24th at 1:30PM
Where: The Revival House at the Como Theatre
Rating: PG (Mild themes and coarse language)

Stiller's visually stunning adventure celebrates trading daydreams for real life—experience this heartfelt odyssey on 35mm film.

Presented by: The Revival House Perth